Towel mat with blow up wedge pillow

ABSTRACT

A towel mat comprising a fabric panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the ends are shorter than the sides. A top pocket having a padded lining, the pocket coupled to the top of the fabric panel near the first end and extending to a predetermined shape when the pocket is filled. The pocket is inflatable and shaped to support a user in a position that is at least partially upright. The bottom of the panel comprises a waterproof barrier layer. The towel mat further comprising a weighted portion sewn to the panel. The panel has at least one corner, and wherein the weighted portion comprises a compartment in which a user may place a weighted material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/296,092 titled “Towel Mat with Blow Up Wedge Pillow” and having a filing date of Jan. 3, 2022, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a blanket or towel, and more specifically a blanket or towel that has an attached component to the top, which acts as a pillow, chair, or lounger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People go to the beach, pool, other bodies of water, parks or forested areas for rest and relaxation. One of the usual objects that is brought to the beach for comfort is a large towel to place under the user to protect the user from any ground elements such as dirt, sand, or mud. The blanket or towel is usually spread out on the ground and can allow the user to sit or lie on it without getting dirty from the ground elements. The ordinary towel or blanket comes in many sizes and shapes to fit the user's needs and size of the user. The blanket or towel can be square, rectangular or round and is usually flat with no padding to support the user when sitting upright on the ground which can make it hard for any back support while sitting on the blanket or towel.

Ordinarily, comfort given by the towel or blanket is limited to the ground that the towel is placed on. For example, if the towel or blanket is placed on sand the user can shape or form a pillow or body shape wedge form out of the sand to help support the user's body. With hard ground forming a wedge or shape under the towel or blanket is impossible to do without adding clothing or another towel beneath the towel or blanket's surface. Individuals have developed blankets and towels that are extra-large, waterproof and puffy for comfort. Others have developed a foldable blanket that can fold into a bag with straps that allows the users to easily carry large blankets easily to the beach.

These type of towels or blankets can be used anywhere such as in front yards, backyards, parks, along rivers, beaches and lakes, at camps and anywhere where there is a need for one. However, most of this ground is hard and cannot be formed to allow the user support and comfort.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a towel or blanket that has a built-in pillow or wedge to support a user and can easily be transported to various locations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In embodiments the invention comprises a towel mat that can comprise a fabric panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the ends are shorter than the sides. A top pocket can have a padded lining wherein the pocket can be coupled to the top of the fabric panel near the first end and can extend to a predetermined shape when the pocket is filled. The panel can be a blanket or a towel. The pocket can be filled with at least one of stuffing, a weighted material, air, water, fabric, a towel, a blanket, and clothing.

The pocket's shape can be substantially trapezoidal wherein the pocket can be removable. The pocket can be an inflatable pillow with a covering over it. The pocket can be inflatable and shaped to support a user in a position that is at least partially upright. The bottom of the panel can comprise a waterproof barrier layer. The inflatable pillow can comprise a bladder which can have a quick release valve. The pocket can lay substantially flat against the top of the panel such that the entire mat can be rolled or folded for easy transportation. The pocket can comprise a flap that can have at least one hook and loop fastener. The top pocket can comprise at least one side pocket. The top pocket can have a substantially rectangular footprint on the top of the panel, and wherein the at least one side pocket is two side pockets located on opposing sides of the top pocket. The towel mat can further comprise a weighted portion sewn to the panel. The panel can have at least one corner, and wherein the weighted portion comprises a compartment in which a user may place a weighted material. The weighted portion can comprise a fillable strip on at least one of the first end, the second end, the first side, and the second side.

It is advantageous of this invention to create a support for a variety of people who like to sit on the ground. This invention provides extra support while the user wants to sit upright on the ground. The towel mat can provide the user with support for their reading material while they lay down to read or nursing moms who need to sit and attend to their babies while on the beach or camping. In addition, this invention provides mothers and fathers the needed back support while playing on the ground with their children or for people needing support while watching sports or other recreational activities or for users who like to go on picnics, watch outdoor movies, go to parks, visit outdoor concerts, use the beach, lakes, rivers, or mountains. The users of this invention can easily take this towel mat anywhere they need.

Another advantage of this invention is to provide a towel mat with its own built-in devices to add back support to a user and to have adequate surface space for laying down if the person chooses to do so instead of not wanting to sit up right.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the below. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for” and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . . , without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of molding a . . . , step for performing the function of molding a . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

Additional features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present specification will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the towel mat with a blow-up pillow in accordance to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the towel mat with a blow-up pillow in accordance to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a close-up back view of the top pocket in accordance to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the towel mat with a blow-up pillow in accordance to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the top pocket and inflatable pillow of the towel mat with a blow-up pillow in accordance to one or more embodiments; and

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the compartment of the towel mat with a blow-up pillow in accordance to one or more embodiments.

Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 showing a top view and a side view of a towel mat 10. The towel mat 10 can comprise a fabric panel 12 having a top 14, a bottom 16, a first end 18, a second end 20, a first side 22, and a second side 24, wherein the ends can be shorter than the sides. The panel 12 can be such as, for example, a towel, blanket or a sheet or any other ground covering that can protect the user from the ground such as dirt, mud, sand, or the like. The towel mat 10 can have a pocket 26 which can have a padded lining 28. The pocket 10 can be coupled to the top 14 of the fabric panel 12 near the first end 18 and extending to a predetermined shape when the pocket is filled. In certain embodiments, the pocket 26 can be coupled to the bottom 16 or can be coupled to both the top 14 and the bottom.

In embodiments, the pocket 26 can be filled with stuffing 30 which can be at least one of for example, stuffing, a weighted material, air, water, fabric, a towel, stuffed animals, a bladder, a blanket, a pillow, any other supportive material, clothing or the like. The shape can be substantially trapezoidal, but in other embodiments the shape can be such as, for example, circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or the like. The pocket 26 can be removably attached to the top 14 or the bottom 16 wherein the pocket can have at least fastener that can attach the pocket to the panel. The fastener can be such as, for example, buttons, snaps, zipper, hook and loop, or the like. In other embodiments the pocket 26 can be permanently attached to the top 14 or the bottom 16 by being integral to the panel or can be sewn on. In embodiments, the pocket 26 can have at least one second pocket 50 on the pockets front or side for the user to store items on the pocket.

The pocket 26 can have a flap 34 wherein the flap allows the user to access the stuffing 30 as shown in FIG. 5 . The flap 34 can have at least one fastener that attaches the flap to the pocket 26 wherein the flap can be a partial opening to allow the user to access a valve 32 of the stuffing 30. The flap 34 fastener can be such as, for example, buttons, snaps, zipper, hook and loop, or the like. In the preferred embodiment the stuffing 30 or the pocket 26 can be an inflatable pillow having a valve 32. The valve 32 can be such as, for example, screw air valve, inflatable air valve, quick release valve, one- or two-way air valve, or the like. The valve 32 can be coupled to the stuffing 30 or pocket 26 wherein the user can inflate the stuffing or the pocket to any suitable size, but in the preferred embodiment the size can be such as, for example, between 8 inches and 48 inches, and more preferably between 12 inches and 36 inches and still more preferably at least 24 inches. The shape of the stuffing 30 or pocket 26 can be any suitable shape but in the preferred embodiment the shape can be such as, for example, wedge, V-shaped, circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or the like.

The pocket 26 can be inflatable and shaped to support a user in a position that is at least partially upright. The pocket 26 comprises at least one side pocket 38. The pocket 26 has a substantially rectangular footprint on the top 14 of the panel 12, and wherein the at least one side pocket 38 can be two side pockets located on opposing sides of the pocket and in other embodiments the side pockets can be on the front or back of the pocket. In certain embodiments the side pocket 38 can allow the pocket 26 and the fabric panel 12 to be folded and stored in the at least one side pocket or the bottom or top can have a second pocket (not shown) that allows the user to fold and store the towel mat 10. The pocket 26 can be filled with air using a pump 48 and can provides adequate support for a person wanting to sit up on the ground as shown in FIG. 5 . The towel mat 12 can be easily laid out and the user can fill up the bladder component in a matter of minutes, using a hand pump or electrical pump to fill it with air.

The bottom 16 of the panel 12 can comprise a waterproof barrier layer (not shown). The waterproof barrier can be such as, for example, waterproof spray, nylon, Gore-tex®, Neoprene, Polyester, PEVA, Naugahyde, or the like. The waterproof barrier layer can be integral to the panel 12 or can be fastened to the top 14 and/or bottom 16 by such as, for example, sewing, button, zipper, hook and loop or the like. The pocket 26 can lay substantially flat against the top 14 of the panel 12 such that the entire mat 10 can be rolled or folded for easy transportation.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the towel mat 10 can further comprising a weighted portion 40 that can be integral or fastened to the panel by such as, for example, sewn, hook and loop, zipper, buttons, or the like. The panel 12 can have at least one corner that can have the at least one weighted portion 40 which can comprise a compartment 42 in which a user can place a weighted material 44 wherein the weighted material can be such as, for example, dirt, sand, rocks, waterbags, water bottles, or anything with a weight which can add weight to help prevent the towel mat 10 from being blown away or folded over by the wind or shifted by accidental kicking of a passer-by. These compartments can help keep the towel mat 10 flat and fully extended. The weighted portion 40 comprises a fillable strip 46 on at least one of the first end 18, the second end 20, the first side 22, and the second side 24. In certain embodiments the towel mat 10 can have four poly pellet filled compartments 42 which can be located at each corner of the blanket and can provide weight to the towel mat to prevent the towel mat from flipping or the repositioning while in use.

In other embodiments, the weighted portion 40 can have at least one loop (not shown) coupled to the weighted portion by such as, for example, fasteners, zipper, snaps, buttons or the like wherein the user can place a stake through the loop and into the ground which can help prevent the towel mat 10 from being blown away or folded over by the wind or shifted by accidental kicking of a passer-by. The top 14 and bottom 16 can have an inflatable bladder coupled between the top and bottom with a valve that can allow the user to inflate the towel mat and make the towel mat an inflatable for a pool or for added comfort on the ground.

In embodiments, the towel mat 10 can be folded into a carrying case (not shown) by at least one fastener which can be clips, buttons, zipper, hook and loop or the like that can be attached at the first end 18 and second end 20 of the towel mat. Once the towel mat is folded up into a compact roll, it is lightweight enough for easy carrying and particularly suited for travel as it occupies little space and adds very little weight to any suitcase.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A towel mat comprising: a fabric panel having a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the ends are shorter than the sides; a top pocket having a padded lining, the pocket coupled to the top of the fabric panel near the first end and extending to a predetermined shape when the pocket is filled.
 2. The towel mat of claim 1, wherein the panel is a blanket or a towel.
 3. The towel mat of claim 1, wherein the pocket is filled with at least one of stuffing, a weighted material, air, water, fabric, a towel, a blanket, and clothing.
 4. The towel mat of claim 1, wherein the shape is substantially trapezoidal.
 5. The towel mat of claim 1, wherein the pocket is removable.
 6. The towel mat of claim 1, wherein the pocket is an inflatable pillow.
 7. The towel mat of claim 1, wherein the pocket is inflatable and shaped to support a user in a position that is at least partially upright.
 8. The towel mat of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the panel comprises a waterproof barrier layer.
 9. The towel mat of claim 6, wherein the inflatable pillow comprises a bladder having a valve wherein the valve is a quick release valve.
 10. The towel mat of claim 1, wherein the pocket lays substantially flat against the top of the panel such that the entire mat can be rolled or folded for easy transportation.
 11. The towel mat of claim 1 wherein the pocket comprises a flap having a hook and loop fastener.
 12. The towel mat of claim 1, wherein the top pocket comprises at least one side pocket.
 13. The towel mat of claim 12, wherein the top pocket has a substantially rectangular footprint on the top of the panel, and wherein the at least one side pocket is two side pockets located on opposing sides of the top pocket.
 14. The towel mat of claim 1, further comprising a weighted portion sewn to the panel.
 15. The towel mat of claim 14, wherein the panel has at least one corner, and wherein the weighted portion comprises a compartment in which a user may place a weighted material.
 16. The towel mat of claim 14 wherein the weighted portion comprises a fillable strip on at least one of the first end, the second end, the first side, and the second side. 